How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

“W‑well, it’s just that…”

We had earned a considerable sum this time, but there was no need to waste money on frivolous things. There were still many places in Hezekia that needed funds. So many…

But what did that have to do with Viscount Elsworth? I replied indifferently.

“Still, I got a better place to stay than before. No leaks from the rain either.”

“…Your Highness, please… stop speaking.”

Beside me, Gerhardt flinched and lowered his head to whisper. I shrugged and stayed silent.

Then, a look of mockery and contempt flashed across Viscount Elsworth’s eyes.

“That will not do. As a father, I can no longer neglect my child. Return home immediately!”

“Excuse me? Are you unwell?”

“…You’ve really grown insolent, haven’t you.”

When I blinked in surprise and asked again, Elsworth let out a hollow laugh, as if speechless. Then he gestured to his guards.

Before he could even finish speaking, his men surrounded us and began applying pressure. The intention of their actions was obvious. I muttered in disbelief.

“So this wasn’t an invitation, it was a kidnapping?”

Gerhardt’s expression hardened as he stepped forward to block them, but it would have been impossible for him alone to hold off a dozen or more knights.

“Your Highness, please be careful.”

I could feel the tension in Gerhardt’s voice. Elsworth, seemingly indifferent to him, stepped forward, lowered his voice, and whispered coldly.

“Did you really try to escape my hand? A wretched worm like you has risen this far only because of me.”

“Please watch your words, Viscount!”

Gerhardt bared his eyes and raised his voice. But the Viscount only waved dismissively, as if mocking him.

“Remove this barbaric creature at once, Ruellin. You don’t honestly think he can protect you, do you?”

At his gesture, the Viscount’s guards advanced toward us in unison. Soon, rough hands reached to seize my arms.

“Let go of Your Highness! Your Highness, help me!”

Gerhardt swung his sword desperately, but it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, the guards forced me into the carriage, and the Viscount followed immediately. Outside, the clash of blades and the shouts of Gerhardt and the Hezekia men faded as the door closed, cutting off even the faintest sound.

I tried to get up and resist, but at that moment, rough hands came from behind and grabbed me.

“Ugh…!”

A damp cloth, scented strongly with a sweet fragrance, was pressed over my mouth and nose. I tried desperately to turn my head, but my captor wouldn’t let go. The strong herbal aroma pierced my nostrils and filled my lungs instantly.

“Let me go, I said…!”

No matter how much I struggled, it was useless. My limbs grew heavy like cotton and collapsed. My mind blurred into a fog as I fell helplessly to the carriage floor.

“Move out!”

With Elsworth’s short command, the carriage quickly set off, rattling along the city’s uneven streets. I was tossed about inside, my body completely limp, unable to resist or even focus.

Through my blurry vision, I could see Elsworth sitting on the opposite seat, staring blankly out the window. Even after orchestrating all this, he looked as if nothing had happened. The sight was chilling. I clenched my teeth and glared at him, struggling to hold myself upright.

Once the carriage left the alley, it continued to speed along, far from the city. I expected it might be heading to the Elsworth estate, but the scenery outside told a different story. We weren’t heading toward Belforte’s residential district, nor the rows of noble houses. The road narrowed, and the few pedestrians gradually disappeared.

The carriage slowly turned onto a desolate road at the city’s edge, then entered a dark forest path and slowed its pace.